We anticipate a very different investment environment to prevail in the year ahead, as macroeconomic conditions increasingly challenge the view of the world that is reflected in financial market valuations.

The UK stock market finished the year strongly, following much the same pattern as for 2017 as a whole, with a narrow set of stocks, perceived as beneficiaries of accelerating global growth leading the index higher.

A modest decline in the UK stock market in November, failed to meaningfully change the momentum grip on markets that has been in place for much of the last two years now. The valuation stretch in markets is now close to breaking point, in our view…

November saw a modest decline in the UK stock market amid slightly higher levels of volatility than we have seen of late. A strong pound, which greeted the steady progress towards an agreement with the EU on Brexit, saw some weakness in the share prices of global-facing businesses…

The portfolio delivered a positive return in October with the latest quarterly income distribution indicating that the fund is on track to deliver its income objective of 5p in its first full calendar year…

Global markets continued to rise in October, with relatively upbeat economic data allowing investors to shrug off political concerns in Europe and Asia. Against this backdrop, the fund delivered a modestly positive return during the month…

The UK stock market declined slightly in September, despite continued positive momentum in most other major equity markets. Sterling was strong, as the Bank of England indicated that interest rates may rise in November. We do not believe that this heralds the start of significantly tighter monetary policy, but it is a sign that the UK economy is in much better shape than many commentators have suggested…

The fund may invest in overseas securities and be exposed to currencies other than pound sterling

Important information

Before investing, you should read the Key Investor Information Document (KIID) for the fund, and the Prospectus which, along with our terms and conditions, can be obtained from the downloads page or from our registered office. If you have a financial adviser, you should seek their advice before investing. Woodford Investment Management Ltd is not authorised to provide investment advice.

Woodford Patient Capital Trust plc is incorporated in England and Wales, company number 09405653. Registered as an investment company under section 833 of the Companies Act 2006. Registered address Beaufort House, 51 New North Road, Exeter, EX4 4EP.

The Woodford Funds (Ireland) ICAV (the “Fund”) has appointed as Swiss Representative Oligo Swiss Fund Services SA, Av. Villamont 17, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland. The Fund’s Swiss paying agent is Neue Helvetische Bank AG. All fund documentation including, Prospectus, Key Investor Information Documents, Instrument of Incorporation and financial reports may be obtained free of charge from the Swiss Representative in Lausanne. The place of performance and jurisdiction for all shares distributed in or from Switzerland is at the registered office of the Swiss Representative. Fund prices can be found at www.fundinfo.com.